Adjustable clipper head



June 18, 1963 w. P. WAHL ADJUSTABLE CLIPPER. HEAD 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed May 10, 1962 J5 J5 253,5 ZZ s if ADJUSTABLE CLIPPER HEAD Filed May 10', 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent 3,093,901 ADJUSTABLE CLIPPER HEAD Warren P. Wahl, Sterling, Ill., assignor to Wahl Clipper Corporation, Sterling, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Filed May 10, 1962, Ser. No. 193,739 7 Claims. (Cl. 30 201) This invention relates to a hair clipper, Iand more particularly to a 'hair clipper having an vadjustable clipper head of the type wherein the stationary or comb blade of the clipper in movable longitudinally in order to Vary the length of cut.

The invention is an improvement over the constructions shown in my prior U.S. Patent No. 3,031,758 `and the prior U.S. Patent No. 2,795,967 to Leo I. Wahl. Certain teachings of the latter patent have been incorporated in the present invention.

As shown in the above-mentioned prior patents and others, `an adjustable clipper head includes mechanism whereby the stationary or comb blade may be moved 1ongitudinally with respect to the reciprocating cutter blade. Because the forward or leading edge of the comb blade is tapered, such longitudinal movement of the comb blade adjusts the `clipper head for cutting hair to desired length.

One object of the invention is to provide an adjustable clipper head wherein the 4adjusting mechanism comprises parts which do not require close manufacturing tolerances. Despite the absence of close tolerances, the mechanism is free of lost motion and highly eifeotive for its intended purpose.

Another object is to provide an adjustable clipper .head wherein the adjustment mechanism rn-ay consist mainly of molded plastic components. Further, the present clipper head has improved appearance vcharacteristics compared with prior adjustable clipper heads.

Another object is to provide an adjustable clipper head which has a desirable and controllable friotional relationship betwen relatively moving parts. The relationship is such that the parts respond readily land smoothly to intended adjustment, and retain the adjustment despite stresses and vibrations occurring during use of the clipper.

Still another object is to provide an adjustable clipper head wherein the adjustment mechanism to a large extent it self-compensating for Wear occasioned by extended usage. Further, if extreme wear occurs, the self-compensating quality easily may be restored by the partial revolution of a single screw.

Another object is to provide an adjustable clipper head having an adjustment lever which is held in position by a simple screw. The construction is such that the screw is threaded into an associated part which rotates when the lever is actuated. There thus is no relative movement between the screw and the associated part, land no tendency for the screw to work loose when the mechanism is adjusted.

Yet another object is to provide an adjustable clipper head wherein certain standard compo-nents readily may be reversed in position, whereby the clipper is adapta-ble for either right-handed or left-handed users. Another object is to provide an adjustable clipper head wherein the relationship between certain relatively movable members is such that the adjustable comb blade, despite its longitudinal movement, cannot twist or lose its desired alignment with the associated cutter blade. In addition, the adjustment mechanism is free of any tendency to bind.

Other objects, advantages and details of the invention will be apparent as the description proceeds, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein one form of the invention is sho-wn. It will `be understood, however, that the description and drawings lare illustrative only, and that the scope of the invention :is to be measured 'by the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevation-al view of a hair clipper embodying the adjustable clipper head of the invention.

PIG. 2 is a sectional view generally on line 2 2 of FIG. l.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view on lline 3 3 of FIG. 2, the figure including associated portions of the clipper case.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view on line 4 4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a plastic part used -in the invention.

i FIG. 6 is a sectional view on line 6 6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 'Z is a top plan view of a relatively movable plate used in the invention.

. FIG. 8 is an end elevational view on line 8 8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is Ifront elevational view on line 9 9 of FIG. 8.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, the numeral 1t) designates the forward end of a hair clipper embodying the -adjustable clipper head 11 of the invention. Clipper 10 includes a case 12 having a cover 13.

Adjustable clipper head 11 has a movable cutter blade 15 which is driven back land forth transversely by a suitable motor (notishown), `and a `stationary or comb blade 16. The latter is tapered at its forward edge as shown at 17.

An adjustment lever 20 cooperates with mechanism in head 11 to move comb blade 16 longitudinally of the head. Thus, still referring to FIG. l, when lever 20 is rotated clockwise comb blade 16 moves forwardly, iand vice versa. Such movement of combblade 16 adjusts the clipper head for cutting hair to desired length.

Proceeding to la detailed description of the present invention, the forward end of case 12 has spaced side portions 22 and 23, best shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5. While side portions 22 and 23 m-ay be .integral with case 12, they comprise separate parts in the illustrated form of the invention. As shown in FIG. 4, side portions 22 and `23 are secured to case 12 by rear screws 24 and front screws 25.

In the form of the invention illustrated, side portions 22 and 23 are incorporated lin a part 27 shown in detail in FIGS. 5 and 6. Part `27 also includes a `front portion 2,8 and a rear portion 29, the front, rear and side portions defining a gener-ally rectangular central opening 30. Part 27 preferably is formed from molded plastic material, for example, nylon, and in some aspects of the invention it is important that side portions 22 and 23 be transversely yielda-ble.

, In the form of lthe invention shown, side portions 22 and 23 respectively have inwardly directed guide flanges 32 and 33 (FIG. 5V). Each flange 32 and 33 has front and rear shoulders 34 and 35 which define stops for a movable plate presently to be described.

Front portion 28 of part 27, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, may terminate Iin a free edge portion 36 which serves to establish a seal with the upper surface of movable cutter blade 15. Fllhis arrangement is disclosed and claimed in prior U.S. Patent 2,789,347 to .lohn F. Wahl and Leo I Wahl.

A longitudinally movable `transverse plate 40 shown in detail in FIGS. 7 9, extends between side portions 22 and 23. Plate 40 preferably is made of metal, although other suitable material may be used, for example plastic. Ends 41 and 42 of plate 40` engage with and are guided by side portions 22 and 23. As best shown in FIG. 9, ends 41 and 42 of `plate 40 are undercut to provide re- 9 duced portions. Thesel reduced portions are adapted to engage upper surfaces of the guide flanges 32 and 33 of side portions 22 and 23.

The upper surface of plate 40 has a recess 43 (FIG. 7), preferably an elongated'transverse recess. The purpose for this recess will be described later. Plate 40` also has threaded openings 44, 45 and 46 to receive screws which secure comb blade 16 to plate 40. FIG. 3 shows a screw 47 threaded yinto plate opening 45.

Comb blade 16 thus is detachably secured to the lower face ofplate 40. The sides of blade 16 extend laterally beyond ends 41 and 42 of plate 40. The upper faces of these projecting sides of Vblade 16 engage lower surfaces of side portions 22 and 23, thereby stabilizing plate 40 withV respect to the side portions 22 and 23.

From the foregoing, taken in conjunction with the drawings, it will be seen that lin the illustrated embodiment the reduced ends of plate 40 cooperate with associated blade 16 to provide a pair of outwardly facing lateral guide channels. The inwardly directed gulide anges 32 and 33' are ydisposed within these channels, thereby establishing a guided relationship between plate 40 and side portions 22 and 23.

A transverse rotatable member 50 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 4), which may be formed of plastic material, is journalled at least in part in side portions 22 and 23. As best shown in FIG. 3,` rotatable member 30` is journalled partly in side portions 22 and 23 and partly Iin portion 51 of case 12.

Rotatable member '50 has a protuberance or key 52, best shown in FIG. 3, which is received within recess 43 in plate 40. Preferably both recess 43 and key 52 are elongated to provide an extended bearing relationship between rotatable member 50 and plate 40. Such relationship contributes t the smooth operation of the adjustment mechanism and avoids any tendency toward binding.

As shownin FIGS; 2.` and 4, rotatable member 50 in the illustrated form of the invention is provided with an' enlarged head I55` at one end. This head 55 bears on the exterior surface of side portion 23. The other end of rotatable member 50 terminates in a reduced length 56 of non-circular cross section. The cross section may be square as indicated in broken line in FIG. 1.

Adjustment lever has an enlarged end 58 which engages rotatable member 50. Enlarged end -58 is provided. with a non-circular recess 59 (FIG. 2) which snugly receives reduced end 56 of rotatable member 50.

The outwardly facing surface of enlarged end 58 has a'circular recess 60 (FIG. 2) which is somewhat larger than non-circular recess 59. The two recesses 59 and 60 communicate with each other in the mid-portion of end 58 and thereby define an exteriorly facing shoulder 62 within endY 58'. It will be noted that the reduced length 56 of rotatable member v50 is somewhat shorter than the depth of recess'59 into which length S6 extends.

One or more spring washers 64 (FIG. 2) are disposed within recess 60 of enlarged lever end 58', one of the washers: resting on shoulder 6'2. A screwy 65 extends through washers 64 and is threaded axially into rotatable member 50; Screw 65 is tightened down until the screw head slightly deforms the washers.

The deformed washers v64 produce a bias force which bears inwardly on side portions 22 and 23. In particular, head 55 of rotatable member 50 applies inWardp-ressure on side portion 23 and enlarged lever end 58 applies inward pressure on side portion 22. These pressures are communicated through the side portions, which deiiect if there is any clearance, to the ends 41v and 42` of plate 40, thereby establishing a frictional and wear-compensat-V ing relationship between plate 40 and side portions 22 and 23.

It is apparent from FIGS. 2, 4 andv 5 that the adjustment mechanism is generally symmetrical on the longitudinal center line, except for rotatable member 50 and associated lever 20. This symmetry permits rotatable i portion 22, thereby providing desired friction between relatively moving parts in the mechanism.

The modification described above has not been sep anately illustrated because the construction is readily apparent from the present drawings and the above description. the modified lfor-m.A

From the above description itis thought that the construction and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. in detail may be made without departing from the spirit or losing the advantages of the invention.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a hair clipper having a case, an adjustable clipper head comprising: Y

a transversely yieldable plastic part secured to the forward end of said case, said part having side port-ions land front and rear portions defining a generally rectangular central opening;

an inwardly directed guide flange on each side portionl having front and rear shoulders ydefining stops;

' a transverse metal plate within said plastic part; the.

ends of said plate engaging said side portions and guided thereby for longitudinal movement, said ends 'having reduced portions engaging upper surfaces of said guide flanges, said plate having a transverseV recess therein;

a comb blade secured to said metal plate land engagingv lower surfaces of said sideportions;

a transverse rotatable member journalled at least in part -in said plastic part and having an elongated key extending into said transverse recess of said metal plate, wherebyrotationy of said member moves said`4 plate longitudinally of said plastic part between said stops, said comb blade moving with said' plate; and resilient means on said rotatable member exerting inward pressure on said side portions whereby a frictional and wear-compensating relation is establishedt between saidl metal plate and said side portions. 2. In a hair clipper having a case, an adjustable clipper head comprising: i

a transversely yieldable plastic part secured to the forward end of said case, said part having side'portions and front and rear portions defining a generally rectangular central opening;

an inwardly directed guide flange on each side portion;

al transverse metal plate within said plastic part, the ends of said plate engaging said side portions and guidedv thereby for longitudinal movement, said ends having reduced portions engaging upper surfaces of said guide flanges, said plate having a transverse recess therein;

a-comb blade secured to said metal plate and engaging lower surfaces of said side portions;

a transverse rotatable member journalled at least in part in said plastic part andhaving an elongated key extending into said transverse recess of said metal plate, whereby rotation of said member moves said plate longitudinally of said plastic part, said comb blade moving with said plate; and

resilient means on said rotatable member exerting inward pressure on said side portions whereby a frictional and wear-compensating relation is establishedv between said metal plate and said side portions.

Further, no claims are addressed specifically toY Various changesV 3. In a hair clipper having a case, an adjustable clipper head comprising: i

transversely yieldable spaced side portions at the for- Iward end of said case;

an inwardly directed guide flange on each side portion having front and rear shoulders defining stops;

a transverse plate having ends engaging said side portions and guided thereby for longitudinal movement, said ends having reduced portions engaging upper surfaces of said guide anges, said plate having a transverse recess therein;

a comb blade secured to said plate and engaging lower surfaces of said side portions;

a transverse rotatable member journalled in said side portions and having an elongated key extending into said transverse recess whereby rotation of said member moves said plate longitudinally between said stops; and

resilient means on said rotatable member exerting in- 'ward pressure on said side portions whereby a fric- *tional and Wear-compensating relation is established between said plate and said end portions.

`4. In a hair clipper having a case, an adjustable clipper head comprising:

transversely yieldable spaced side portions at the forward end of said case;

an inwardly directed guide ilange on each side portion;

a transverse plate having ends engaging said side portions and guided thereby for longitudinal movement, said ends having reduced portions engaging upper surfaces of said guide flanges, said plate having a transverse recess therein;

a comb blade secured to said plate and engaging lower surfaces of said side portions;

a transverse rotatable member journalled in said side portions and having an elongated key extending into said transverse recess, whereby rotation of said member moves said plate longitudinally; and

resilient means on said rotatable member exerting inward pressure on said side portions whereby a frictional and wear-compensating relation is established between said plate and said end portions.

`5. In a hair clipper having a case, an adjustable clipper head comprising:

transversely yieldable spaced side portions at the forwar-d end of said case;

a transverse plate having ends engaging said side portions and guided thereby for longitudinal movement, said plate having a transverse recess therein;

a comb blade secured to said plate;

a transverse rotatable member journalled in said side portions and having an elongated key extending into said transverse recess, whereby rotation of said inember moves said plate longitudinally; and

resilient means on said rotatable member exerting in- Ward pressure on said side portions whereby a frictional and wear-compensating relation is established between said plate and said end portions.

6. In a hair clipper having a case, an adjustable clipper head comprising:

spaced side portions at the forward end of said case;

a transverse plate having ends engaging said side portions and guided thereby for longitudinal movement, said plate having a recess therein;

a comb blade secured to said plate;

a transverse rotatable member journalled in said side portions and having key means extending into said recess, whereby rotation of said member moves said plate longitudinally; and

resilient means on said rotatable member exerting inward pressure on said side portions whereby Ia frictional and wear-compensating relation is established between said plate and said end portions.

7. -In a hair clipper having a case, an adjustable clipper head comprising:

spaced side portions at the forward end of said case;

a transverse plate having ends engaging said side portions and guided thereby for longitudinal movement, said plate having a recess therein;

a comb blade secured to said plate;

a transverse rotatable member journalled in said side portions and having key means extending into said recess, whereby rotation of said member moves said plate longitudinally; and

means exerting pressure between said rotatable member and at least one of said side portions whereby a fric` tional relation is established between said member and said at least one side portion.

No references cited. 

1. IN A HAIR CLIPPER HAVING A CASE, AN ADJUSTABLE CLIPPER HEAD COMPRISING: A TRANSVERSELY YIELDABLE PLASTIC PART SECURED TO THE FORWARD END OF SAID CASE, SAID PART HAVING SIDE PORTIONS AND FRONT AND REAR PORTIONS DEFINING A GENERALLY RECTANGULAR CENTRAL OPENING; AN INWARDLY DIRECTED GUIDE FLANGE ON EACH SIDE PORTION HAVING FRONT AND REAR SHOULDERS DEFINING STOPS; A TRANSVERSE METAL PLATE WITHIN SAID PLASTIC PART, THE ENDS OF SAID PLATE ENGAGING SAID SIDE PORTIONS AND GUIDED THEREBY FOR LONGITUDINAL MOVEMENT, SAID ENDS HAVING REDUCED PORTIONS ENGAGING UPPER SURFACES OF SAID GUIDE FLANGES; SAID PLATE HAVING A TRANSVERSE RECESS THEREIN; A COMB BLADE SECURED TO SAID METAL PLATE AND ENGAGING LOWER SURFACES OF SAID SIDE PORTIONS; A TRANSVERSE ROTATABLE MEMBER JOURNALLED AT LEAST IN PART IN SAID PLASTIC PART AND HAVING AN ELONGATED KEY EXTENDING INTO SAID TRANSVERSE RECESS OF SAID METAL PLATE, WHEREBY ROTATION OF SAID MEMBER MOVES SAID PLATE LONGITUDINALLY OF SAID PLASTIC PART BETWEEN SAID STOPS, SAID COMB BLADE MOVING WITH SAID PLATE; AND RESILIENT MEANS ON SAID ROTATABLE MEMBER EXERTING INWARD PRESSURE ON SAID SIDE PORTIONS WHEREBY A FRICTIONAL AND WEAR-COMPENSATING RELATION IS ESTABLISHED BETWEEN SAID METAL PLATE AND SAID SIDE PORTIONS. 